Glucerna® 1.2 Cal Vanilla for Diabetes

Glucerna® 1.2 Cal Vanilla is a diabetes-specific nutrition formula for oral or tube use. It supports carbohydrate management with a vanilla flavor and a calorie-dense profile. This page explains uses, formats, and how to access US delivery from Canada, including options without insurance.

What Glucerna Is and How It Works

This formula is designed for adults with diabetes or glucose intolerance who need specialized nutrition. It provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to help manage post-meal blood sugar. Glucerna 1.2 Cal Vanilla tube feeding formula uses a modified carbohydrate blend with fiber to support a steadier glycemic response compared with standard formulas. The fat profile includes monounsaturated fats, and the protein supports maintenance of lean body mass.

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It can be taken orally as a nutrition shake or delivered through feeding tubes under clinical supervision. The treatment is lactose-free and gluten-free to align with common dietary restrictions. It is not for intravenous use. Follow the product label and your clinician’s directions for administration and monitoring.

Who It’s For

This nutrition option is intended for adults with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, or stress-related hyperglycemia who need calorie-dense support. It may be used as a supplemental drink between meals or as part of a complete enteral regimen under supervision. For broader condition education, see the Diabetes category.

• Not for patients with galactosemia
• Not for infants; pediatric use only if directed
• Not for IV administration
• Use caution with known milk or soy protein allergies
• Seek clinician guidance for renal, hepatic, or fluid restrictions

Dosage and Usage

Shake well before opening. For oral use, this medicine may be sipped slowly with meals, between meals, or as a meal replacement if recommended. Start with small volumes to assess tolerance. For tube feeding, clinicians typically adjust flow rate, volume, and water flushes based on nutritional goals, hydration, and tolerance. Elevate the head and confirm tube placement before feeding.

Flush feeding tubes per local protocol to maintain patency. Do not add medications directly to the formula. If medication timing is critical, ask a healthcare professional about spacing from feeds to reduce absorption issues. Follow the official label for administration details, hang times, and handling. Stop feeding and seek medical advice if aspiration, severe intolerance, or allergic reactions occur.

Strengths and Forms

Vanilla flavor and multiple package formats support both home and facility use. Availability may vary by location and supplier. Explore similar items in Nutritional Supplement For Diabetes.

• Glucerna 1.2 Cal Vanilla 237 mL cartons (about 8 oz), single or case
• 1000 mL RTH containers for closed-system tube feeding
• Carton multipacks, commonly a case of 24
• Vanilla flavor ready for oral use or decanting

Formulation and packaging are designed for convenience in oral and tube administration. Check the label for component specifics and allergens.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled oral serving or tube feed is missed, resume at the next planned time. Do not “make up” by rapidly increasing rate or volume without direction, as this may cause intolerance. Consistency in timing helps with glycemic control and digestive comfort. For individualized schedules, defer to the official label and facility protocols.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened containers at room temperature away from excessive heat. Do not freeze. Keep sealed containers dry and protected from direct sunlight. After opening, cover, refrigerate, and use within the time frame on the label. Discard any product that has been held beyond recommended hang times or shows signs of spoilage. Keep out of reach of children.

For trips, pack sealed cartons in carry-on when possible. Keep the label intact for security checks. Bring enough supplies plus a small buffer. If tube feeding, carry connectors, syringes, and cleaning supplies. You can store backups at your destination and use a cooler for brief temperature moderation when needed. Follow clinician advice for sick-day plans and hydration.

Benefits

This nutrition therapy supports calorie needs while helping manage post-meal glucose. It may be used alongside standard diabetes care plans and monitoring.

• Calorie-dense energy for volume-limited intake
• Carbohydrate blend for steadier glycemic response
• Fiber content to support digestive tolerance
• Suitable for oral or enteral feeding pathways
• Lactose-free and gluten-free formulation

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Feeding-related: fullness, reflux, or cramping if rate is high
• Tolerance: stool changes during transitions
• Allergy: rare reactions with milk or soy protein sensitivity

Serious risks include aspiration with improper tube placement or posture, and severe allergic reactions. Stop the feeding if chest discomfort, wheeze, or rash occurs. People using insulin or sulfonylureas may be more sensitive to intake changes; careful monitoring can reduce hypoglycemia risk when feeding patterns shift. Do not use for intravenous administration. Follow the label and clinician instructions at all times.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Enteral nutrition can affect absorption of certain medicines. Spacing feeds from drugs like phenytoin, warfarin, levodopa, or some antibiotics may be recommended. Avoid mixing medications into the formula. Hydration, renal function, and electrolyte balance should be assessed by a clinician during ongoing use. For background on antidiabetic regimens, see Common Diabetes Medications.

Patients with significant fluid restrictions, severe pancreatitis, or malabsorption require individualized plans. Transition from other formulas gradually to monitor tolerance. Always review the product label and consult a healthcare professional for patient-specific considerations.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent use, tolerance typically improves after initial adjustments. Stool patterns and fullness may change during the first days of use, especially with tube feeding. Blood glucose responses can vary by individual, concurrent meals, and medicines. Adherence to the feeding plan, hydration, and monitoring help support stable outcomes. For general nutrition guidance about sweets within a plan, read How Much Sugar.

Compare With Alternatives

Diabetes-specific formulas differ by calorie density, fiber type, and fat profile. Some products are optimized for tube feeding, while others focus on oral shakes in various flavors. Consider flavor tolerance, intended route, and clinician goals when comparing options. For another option in the same brand family, see Glucerna®. To browse a broader set of options by condition, explore Nutritional Supplement For Diabetes.

Pricing and Access

See Glucerna 1.2 Cal Vanilla Canadian pricing on the product page and choose the format that fits your plan. Canadian pricing often differs from local cash-pay rates. You can review current pricing, compare package sizes, and place an order with encrypted checkout. We provide US shipping from Canada for eligible addresses. Looking for current offers? Check our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock may vary by package size and flavor. If a specific carton or RTH container is unavailable, a clinician may suggest a comparable alternative with similar calorie density and carbohydrate profile. Facilities sometimes switch flavors or package types based on supply. We list updates as they change. For oral use, Glucerna 1.2 Cal Vanilla ready-to-drink bottles may be a practical alternative when tube supplies are constrained.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with diabetes who need calorie-dense support and a carbohydrate profile tailored for glycemic control. Those with severe allergies to milk or soy proteins, or with galactosemia, should avoid this product. Patients with complex comorbidities should be assessed by a clinician before starting a full enteral regimen. For education resources and planning tools, see National Diabetes Education.

Cost-saving ideas include purchasing multipacks or a case for steady use, coordinating refills to reduce separate handling, and selecting larger RTH containers for closed systems when appropriate. Multi-month planning can reduce interruptions. You can set calendar reminders for reorders and keep a small backup supply for travel and clinic visits.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this formula appropriate for my goals?
• How should I start and increase volume?
• Which water flush plan fits my needs?
• How do I time feeds around medicines?
• What signs of intolerance should I watch?
• Can I use it as my sole nutrition?
• Which package size is best for me?

Authoritative Sources

• Abbott Nutrition: Glucerna 1.2 Cal
• Abbott Nutrition Canada: Glucerna 1.2 Cal
• Abbott Nutrition Canada: Glucerna Brand

Ready to proceed at CanadianInsulin? Place your order with prompt Ships from Canada to US and temperature-controlled handling when required. Information here is educational and not a substitute for the product label or professional advice.